Whilst normal furniture ends up by the side of the road, our German and Scandinavian masterpieces give your children something to fight over. Designed and made in Germany.
Freifrau
pictured: Freifrau Leya Couch from $6,759, and Leya Wingback Swing from $5,798, designed by Hoffmann Kahleyss for Freifrau. Made in Germany.
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HISTORY
Celebrating 70 Years of Brigidine
HISTORY
Ecclestone Du Faur & Ku-ring-gai National Park
COMMUNITY
The Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail - Entries Open Now!
HEALTH
Meet Christian at Vision PT St Ives
Hello St Ives!
THROUGH bushfires and COVID and cost crisis, we have made it to Issue #10, and it’s jam-packed! We learn more about the history of Brigidine, first opened in 1954 with a whopping 10 students. We also hear about Ecclestone Du Faur, the man who founded Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
There are details on entering the annual Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail, opening 1 September, as well as attending the upcoming Brain Health Event on July 24. We also meet some incredible local business owners: Christian at Vision PT, and Ari from Asset Realty (who was a former student at both St Ives Primary and St Ives High).
We discuss how you can elevate your home interiors with Top3 by Design. You can entertain the Kids with our roundup of kid-friendly activities, or educate them at Bush2Bridge - we spoke to the founder, Serena. There’s Pets, Puzzles, our fabulous Local Directory + heaps more!
See you next time!
PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media
DESIGNER - Robert Everett
CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney May, Adeline Teoh, Alec Smart & Rob Everett
ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081
Asset Realty St Ives - Shaping the Local Market
HOME HOME
Elevate Your Interiors with Top3 by Design
KIDS EVENTS
Entertain the Kids!
EAT
The North Shore Local Cooking up a Storm
PETS
Meet our Gorgeous Pets of 2075
PUZZLES
Can you Solve It?
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
There is no better time to shop local
HISTORY
On 9 February 1954, Brigidine College St Ives opened its doors to nine students. With a single building surrounded by 10 acres of trees and orchards, it was this tranquil location that appealed to the Brigidine Sisters, with plans to build a new and thriving community on the North Shore.
TTHE Brigidine Sisters arrived in Australia from Ireland in 1883 and with a history in education they set about opening schools across the country. Since 1901 the Sydney community had been based in Randwick with a school, convent and novitiate, providing space for Sisters to teach, live and learn; and as their numbers flourished the Brigidines began to think about another convent.
MOVING TO THE NORTH SHORE
Towards the end of 1939, the parish priest, Father Downey, invited the Brigidines to take over the Holy Family of Nazareth school at Lindfield from the Monte Sant’ Angelo Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy.
The natural environment and seclusion that St Ives could provide, being just 4kms from Holy Family Lindfield, walking distance to the Passionist Fathers’ monastery and with the Jesuits only a few kms away in Pymble, the Brigidines felt they would be well supported in the area.
“Horses came and ate out of the front garden, and it was so close to the bush, we were practically in it.”
Holy Family provided education for Kindergarten to Intermediate (Year 9) and with increasing demand in the upper years, the Sisters began to develop plans for a senior school in the leafy North Shore, which could also provide a setting conducive to spiritual reflection.
In 1949, seven acres of land in St Ives became available for £3500. With a further three acres encompassing the corner lot of Woodbury and Mona Vale Roads purchased in 1951, it was believed ‘most suitable from every point of view’.
Owned by the Gaukrodger family (who operated an abattoir and later an orchard from the property, along with a butchery in Pymble), the Gaukrodgers continued to live on Woodbury Road and in a cottage within the school grounds for some years after the college opened. Although some in St Ives may have been hoping for a train connecting Gordon to Pittwater, the Brigidine Sisters were established in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and students there had always caught the bus to school.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
St Ives was clearly a semi-rural suburb undergoing rapid urbanisation when local artist and Brigidine parent Margaret Coen moved to the area in the early 1950s,
“Horses came and ate out of the front garden, and it was so close to the bush, we were practically in it… Most of the roads weren’t tarred. The kids rode billy-carts down the
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hill to the dairy at the bottom of Killeaton Street and went exploring the creek that made its way through the bush to Bobbin Head. The gas wasn’t on, or the sewerage… No shopping centre; there were only a few shops strung along Mona Vale Road: Malo’s fruit shop, the delicatessen, Gillott’s garage next door to the Post Office. Further up on the other side were Steward’s the butcher and Ekas the chemist.” (Gathering Strength)
With the first day of school approaching quickly, four Sisters moved to St Ives into an unfinished building. Accepting help from their new neighbours, who cooked their evening meals until the gas could be connected, and with builders continuing to work around them, they taught students outdoors, whilst painters continued inside.
Pioneer students recall scraping mud from their shoes to enter the school building in the first few months of the college opening. It was a humble foundation that built not only the school, but the community values that Brigidine College St Ives thrives on today.
In the following years new primary schools were established in Narraweena (St John the Apostle, 1961) and Forestville (Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1962) and at St Ives with a focus on academics, music and success in sport. Backed by the Brigidine motto, Fortiter et Suaviter (strength and gentleness), the student population grew to over 500 students by the mid 1980s and multiple classroom blocks spanned the ample grounds.
Despite this expansion in 1989, the difficult decision was made to sell land from the back of the College, which was subdivided into twenty residential housing blocks now known as ‘The Cloisters’. This sale enabled the Brigidine Sisters to fund their move into smaller home communities over subsequent years and with the last Brigidines moving out of the convent in May 1994, this provided a future pathway for the St Ives Convent to become the modern day administrative centre of the school.
EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE
In 2014, Kildare Ministries was formed as a governing body for 10 schools, including Brigidine College St Ives, and three community endeavours. The ministries included educational and social justice works managed by a committee of trustees.
This year, 2024, Brigidine College celebrates 70 years in St Ives. As a non-selective school, the College prides itself on providing a holistic education for girls, combining the spiritual, academic, physical and cultural dimensions of learning. Brigidine girls enjoy excellent academic results, a high level of achievement in the performing arts and sport, and a strong commitment to service.
With completion due in mid 2025, building has commenced on the Master Plan to upgrade and enhance teaching and learning facilities at the College, and includes an outdoor sports court and indoor sporting facility.
Crop Swaps at the Wildflower Garden
If you grow your own vegetables, fruit and herbs and have too many, come to our crop swaps at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden. Exchange your surplus goods with others and get some delicious local produce in return!
• Sunday 28 July 9.30am to 11am
• Sunday 27 October 9.30am to 11am
Visit krg.nsw.gov.au/cropswap for more info
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden 420 Mona Vale Road St Ives
CTE and Dementia Expo
The Expo will increase your understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and all forms of dementia. Whether you’re an athlete, sports club member, carer or concerned family member, get the latest research findings on protecting brain health and how to get support. Presented by Dr Rowena Mobbs and Dr Suraj Samtani.
Register at krg.nsw.gov.au/dementia
Wednesday 24 July 5pm - 9pm
Level 3, 818 Pacific Highway Gordon
Presented by Ku-ring-gai Council, KNC Care and the Ku-ring-gai Dementia Alliance, with funding from the Department of Communities and Justice.
By Alec Smart
Founder of Ku-Ring-Gai-Chase National Park.
Eccleston Du Faur is credited as founder of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park in 1894, Australia’s second national park after the 1879-established Royal National Park in Sutherland shire, south of Sydney. Eccleston, an influential public servant, explorer and cartographer was also a passionate environmentalist.
So how did one man persuade the authorities to set aside 13,500 hectares (in later years expanded to 14,977 ha) on Sydney’s then-remote Upper North Shore for protection from powerful interests in the forestry and urban development industries?
It took many years of lobbying to preserve the natural landscape, which Du Faur feared was vulnerable to destruction by timber merchants and settlers. He had little support in government for his initiative, unsuccessfully petitioning the Minister for Lands, Sir Henry Copeland, who firmly rejected him.
It wasn’t until he settled in the area in 1888, on 10 hectares of land near Eastern Rd in a newly created northern Sydney
district Eccleston persuaded authorities to call ‘Turramurra’, that he could properly survey the region and make his case.
The suburb was derived from the Dharug Aboriginal word for ‘big hill’, the term used by the Indigenous Durramuragal clans that roamed the region prior to British colonisation. Turramurra is one of only four suburbs in the Upper North Shore region that adapted existing Aboriginal names, including neighbouring suburbs Warrawee (‘stop here’ - a campsite), Wahroonga (‘our home’) and Killara (‘permanent place’).
After Du Faur paid for the construction of a road down to Bobbin Head by Apple Tree Bay (now the main fire trail) and invited the Governor of NSW to visit the region, Du Faur found an ally in his mission.
With the Governor’s support, park status was confirmed for the bushland around Cowan Creek (and its bays and tributaries), protecting its native flora and fauna from Sydney’s rapid expansion.
According to NSW National Parks and Wildlife, “Ku-
ring-gai Chase … established largely through the work of one man, Eccleston Du Faur .. was the first national park in Australia to be established primarily for nature conservation…”
Du Faur was subsequently appointed as the managing trustee and during his 10-year tenure, he developed many waterside picnic areas, including Bobbin Head, and walking trails.
The latter were explored by his daughter, the pioneering mountain climber Freda Du Faur (whom Neighbourhood Media has previously featured), who went on to ascend most of New Zealand’s snow-capped peaks, some of which she named.
Australia today has around 650 national parks – more than any other country in the world. Over 28 million hectares of land is designated as national parkland, which accounts for almost four per cent of Australia’s land mass – about the size of Italy.
With a recorded 4.40 million visits in 2022, Ku-RingGai Chase National Park counts as the third-most visited national park after Blue Mountains and the Royal National Park.
Who was Eccleston Du Faur? Born in England in 1832, of French immigrant parents, he arrived in Australia in 1853, and took up work as a draftsman for the New South Wales Railway Department, followed by the Surveyor-General’s Office and the Crown Lands Office.
Over a 10-year period Eccleston mapped the state of NSW. Tragically his original cartography, stored in the
“So
how did one man persuade the authorities to set aside 13,500 hectares (in later years expanded to 14,977 ha) on Sydney’s thenremote Upper North Shore for protection?”
Botanic Gardens, was incinerated in the infamous Garden Palace fire of 22 September 1882. This heinous arsonry, for which no one was ever charged, also destroyed countless Aboriginal relics, survey maps and priceless artworks.
Exploration was one of Du Faur’s keen interests. He cofounded the Geographical Society of Australia and became its first chairman in 1883. As well as sponsoring expeditions (including Douglas Mawson’s 1911 Antarctic expedition), he owned property at Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains, and from there he undertook many treks into the Grose River Valley and beyond, working with artists to sketch and photograph the region.
The Du Faur Rocks, Du Faur Creek and Canyon in the Blue Mountains, were named after him, as well as Du Faur St. in North Turramurra and the Du Faur Wetland in the Kuring-gai Chase National Park.
His Federation Queen Anne-styled house Pibrac, at: 11 Pibrac Avenue, Warrawee, is still standing.
The property, designed by distinguished Canadian architect John Horbury Hunt, is characteristic of many Heritage houses around Warrawee and Turramurra. His daughter Freda named a mountain peak in New Zealand after her childhood home: Mount Pibrac.
ARTS
Get ready for this year’s Sculpture Trail at the Ku-ringgai Wildflower Gardens, with over $5000 awarded to winning artists!
NNESTLED among the beautiful Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden lies a blank canvas waiting to be adorned. The Wildflower Gardens are the stage for this year’s Sculpture Trail, and the stage is set for creativity to flourish!
The Sculpture Trail is a celebration of sustainable art. It showcases works made exclusively from recycled materials, encouraging both Artist and Observer to delve into the realm of eco-consciousness. This year’s Sculpture Trail also forms part of Ku-ring-gai’s Eco Festival, an event that underscores the importance of mindful living and environmental management.
The trail will showcase the skill and imagination of both renowned artists and emerging talent from across Kuring-gai. This year, Artists are invited to create on-theme sculptures to be displayed outdoors at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives from 1 September through to 7 October 2024. And everyone is welcome! There are three separate categories catering to all age groups, 14 and under, 15-24, and over 24.
If showcasing your masterpiece in the picturesque setting that is the Wildflower Gardens wasn’t enough… What about the opportunity to win over $5000 worth of prizes? And don’t worry, nobody misses out. There’s a prize for every age group, whether it’s a cash reward or an unforgettable
excursion at the Wildflower Garden, the accolades are as diverse as the artworks themselves.
ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN - CLOSING JULY 28TH
Junior Category submissions for individual or group artists 14 years and under (individual prize of $250 and a group prize of a full day excursion at the Wildflower Garden).
Youth Category submissions for artists 15 to 24 years (individual prize of $500 and runner-up $250).
Open Category submissions for artists over 24 years (individual prize of $3000 and runner-up $1000).
KEY DATES:
SATURDAY JULY 28th: Entries close 4pm. AUGUST 2nd: Selected artists will be notified by this date. AUGUST 18th: Artists must provide photos of completed works by 4pm.
AUGUST 28-29th: Installation between 8am - 4pm. AUGUST 30th: Judging & Awards presentation.
The Vision Difference
COMMUNITY
LLEARN about ‘safe sport’ and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) from experts in their field, Dr Rowena Mobbs from Macquarie University and Dr Suraj Samtani from University of NSW.
Head along to the next Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) & Dementia Awareness Expo at Hornsby RSL Club on 24 July 2024.
The presenters will talk about the connection between repetitive head trauma, in particular concussions in sports, and the development of CTE. They will provide insights into the latest research findings, risk factors, and preventive measures to reduce the incidence of CTE. The talks will also address concussion management protocols and player safety initiatives.
Other forms of dementia will also be discussed, with suggestions for reducing the risk of all dementias.
Many local organisations and service providers that support people with a dementia diagnosis and their families and carers will be on hand to chat about your needs and how they can help.
Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening and all ages are welcome!
This event has been made possible with help from KNC Care and the Ku-ring-gai Dementia Alliance, and with funding from NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
When: July 24th, 2024 | 5pm-9pm Where: Hornsby RSL Club, 4 High St, Hornsby
HUMANS OF 2075
FFOR nearly two decades, Vision Personal Training St Ives has stood as a beacon of health and wellness in the local community. As it approaches its 17th anniversary this November, Director Christian de Stoop reflects on the studio’s evolution, its commitment to holistic fitness, and its deep-rooted connections within the vibrant St Ives community.
“I’ve been with Vision Personal Training St Ives for over 14 years now,” Christian reflects, his passion evident in every word. “It feels like such a long time, yet feels like I’ve blinked and here I am!”
His journey with Vision began as a Personal Trainer in 2010, a path inspired by his own experiences and a desire to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.
Over the years, Christian’s role expanded alongside the studio’s growth. From Personal Trainer to Studio Manager, and eventually to Director, his involvement deepened, reflecting the studio’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both trainers and members alike.
“What sets Vision apart is our personalised approach,» Christian explains. “Every member is more than just a number – they’re greeted by name as they walk in the door.” This sense of community forms the cornerstone of Vision’s ethos, creating a welcoming space where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and supported on their fitness journey.
“Vision specialises in personal training and we take
Christian de Stoop, Director at Vision Personal Training St Ives, talks about the studio’s journey and their role in the St Ives community.
Visionptstives visionptstives Address:164A Mona Vale Road, St Ives. (Next to Ampol / Guzman Y Gomez) 9440 3910 visionpersonaltraining.com/our-studios/st-ives
a holistic approach to our members results in a nonintimidating environment,” he continues. “We focus on our members’ mindsets to set them up with long and short term goal setting. We educate our members about sustainable nutrition, and exercise practices through one-on-one sessions, educational seminars and even shopping tours at Coles in St Ives Village.
“Personal training is a great place to start,” he emphasises, “because a lot of beginners, or people not familiar with the ‘gym’, don’t know where or how to start and certainly don’t want to hurt themselves.
“I find the top 5 reasons why people engage with a personal trainer are usually because they are seeking: motivation; accountability; they need help with structure or routine; they don’t know when or how to do it; and they don’t want to get injured.”
For many members, Vision Personal Training St Ives is more than just a gym – it’s a home away from home, a place where lasting friendships are formed and fitness goals are achieved together. “Many of my clients have been training with me for 14 years, or close to it,” Christian shares proudly. “We’ve built a strong community here, one that extends far beyond the walls of the studio.”
But Vision’s impact extends beyond fitness; it’s deeply intertwined with the fabric of the St Ives community. “We’ve supported many local businesses, schools, and sports teams over the years,” Christian explains. “And our
partnership with Beyond Blue underscores our commitment to holistic well-being, recognising the vital link between physical health and mental wellness.
“Mental health, or our emotions, is our most important “E-factor”. (Our 4 E-factors are: Emotions, Education, Eating and Exercise). We know that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. The importance of exercise in an effective mental health plan is well known, and I am a strong advocate for health in the holistic approach – from a strong physical body to a healthy mind.”
Reflecting on his time in St Ives, Christian emphasises the special bond he’s formed with the community. “It’s the people that make St Ives truly special,» he asserts.
“The sense of support and inclusivity is palpable, and I’ve been privileged to work alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, professions, and cultures.”
Christian’s journey with Vision Personal Training has allowed him to become deeply ingrained in the community fabric, making every day a rewarding experience.
“Some of the most rewarding moments have been witnessing clients achieve life-changing results,” Christian shares. “And while accolades are nice, it’s the relationships formed and the positive impact made on people’s lives that truly matter.”
Christian has several ‘stand-out moments’ during his many years at Vision PT St Ives “Among the most rewarding is the privilege of helping clients achieve life changing results, such as losing over 30-40 kilos.
“Some of my proudest moments are being a finalist as both an international manager and personal trainer of
the year (close both times, but no cigar!). Our studio has proudly won numerous Vision network awards, from being a “Gold Star” studio, to awards for the highest retention of members among our network of studios.”
As Vision Personal Training St Ives looks towards the future, Christian remains committed to empowering individuals to lead healthier, happier lives. “Our journey is far from over,” he concludes. “Together, we’ll continue shaping lives and building a stronger, healthier community for years to come.”
CHRISTIAN’S LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Best local restaurant and dish?
Gosh I don’t eat out a whole lot, and if I do, it’s generally a salad or poached eggs on toast (boring, I know!). I’m a sucker for good sushi though, so if I stray from the usual, you might see me at the Sushi Train!
Best retailer?
I love to run, and naturally I value having a good pair of shoes to run in! I always recommend our members visit John Rae, from Shoe Guru, to find a good fit. John is also just as passionate about health and fitness and he loves nothing more than to see his customers enjoying exercise in shoes he’s helped them find.
Best local cafe/coffee?
Ethan and Angela, the owners of Milligram, will look after you with a great coffee. I’m up between 4.00am – 4.30am most mornings of the week, so trust me when I say I love coffee! I like going to Milligram, because apart from great coffee, they’re always so friendly.
HOME
FMeet Ari Akbarian and the team at Asset Realty, a cornerstone of the North Shore real estate landscape for more than two decades.
FOR more than 25 years, Asset Realty has been a big player in the North Shore’s real estate scene, helping shape the local market and building a very strong community presence along the way. “Our business, Asset Realty, started with my mother, who was able to buy a Gordon real estate office and from that, built a multi-office company through sheer hard work and business acumen,” reflects Ari, the current owner of Asset Realty. “We’ve been operating for over 25 years and hope to grow over the next 25 years through our industry-leading service, borne by hard work.”
Growing up in St Ives, Ari has a deep-rooted connection to the area. “I attended both St Ives Primary and St Ives High Schools from Kindergarten to Year 12. My first job at 14 was in a sports shop on the corner of Memorial and Mona Vale Road - this is where I honed my skills as a salesperson, understanding that product knowledge is key to realising value for any customer.”
Fast forward 20 years, and Asset Realty now occupies that same corner position for their St Ives Office - talk about going full circle. When we asked Ari what St Ives meant to him, he told us - “Whether it’s education or work, this suburb has given me the best childhood, created a platform to launch my career, and introduced me to a community that I hold dear. To me, St Ives is and always will be home.”
NOTABLE LISTINGS AND LOCAL CONNECTIONS
Having worked in the area for so many years, Ari reflected on some of his most notable sales. “15a Memorial Avenue,
St Ives, was a great sale due to the premium we reached at Auction in September 2023. There were specific risk factors that I had to mitigate to realise value, creating a platform to stage a successful auction.”
Another memorable listing was 59 Hunter Avenue, St Ives. “This was special as it was listed by an Eastern Suburbs agent sharing the same brand as me,” he explains. “The vendor, a school friend, had built one of the best homes in the area. Initially, the buyer was against moving to St Ives, preferring Wahroonga or Pymble along the train line.
“I utilised all my knowledge about St Ives to influence this buyer to inspect the property and eventually part with approximately $5,000,000. Promoting St Ives against neighbouring suburbs was easy, especially given its attributes such as the shopping centre, great schools, warm community, and lovely parks.”
COMPARING ST IVES WITH NEIGHBOURING SUBURBS
Reflecting on the changes over the past two decades, Ari’s observations centre on the urbanisation of St Ives, with density changing the demographic landscape from 1985 to 2024. “We are seeing in recent years that St Ives is being seen by buyers as a desirable place to live, with many new homes and units obtaining premium prices as a result.”
He continued, “St Ives has performed in line with neighbouring suburbs with a median house price of $3,080,000 as of March 2024,” he says. “Being in a
downsizers’ hub, we have seen median prices for units soar to $1,020,000, the second highest below Pymble. All in all, St Ives is tracking above expectations, compared to neighbouring suburbs.”
Looking ahead, Asset predicts a buyer’s market for the remainder of 2024. “Qualified buyers have a choice for premium homes on the market,” Ari explains. “With interest rates still on hold from post-COVID rate hikes, and costof-living pressures impacting household budgets, a lot of buyers are staying put. This leaves qualified buyers in a slight hand of power with reduced competition when negotiating to acquire their dream home.”
SELLING YOUR HOME: FIRST STEPS
When it comes to selling your home, Asset advises, “Don’t ask a real estate agent to appraise your property immediately. Protect yourself from underselling by getting to know your home first. Understand your planning restrictions, the condition of your home, and make necessary updates.
When you know your property and can gauge the buyer profile, then it’s time to invite the right agent to appraise.” Their extensive experience and commitment to understanding both the market and the needs of their clients have made Asset Realty a trusted name in St Ives and the greater North Shore area. As they continue to grow and adapt to the changing real estate landscape, their dedication to their community and industry-leading service remains steadfast.
HOME
By Adeline Teoh
TNorth Shore luxury emporium Top3 by Design outlasts the trends.
TERRI WINTER believes good design is often silent or invisible. The founder and curator of Top3 by Design has been in business since 2001, selecting and selling some of the world’s best products, from pet accessories to furniture.
The Top3 ethos, which centres on curated design that resists trends to focus on timelessness and quality, has stood her in good stead for more than two decades in a world where fickle fads and copycats have threatened the industry. Much of this is due to her prominent commitment to design, not just ‘stuff looking good’, but a true understanding of neuroaesthetics, the science behind why we feel the way we do in spaces we inhabit.
“There is more and more understanding that interior design is not just making a space look nice, it is about how the space makes us feel when we are in it,” she said. “This impacts our wellbeing on a daily basis, so it is vital to have it well considered.”
The premise of Top3 is simple. Winter curates pieces based on form and function, sustainability and innovation, which means buying less but buying better. It’s an antidote to “the fast-paced throwaway-ism of social media trends and the constant search for ‘new’,” she says. If it sounds like a rant about social media, it’s not. Social platforms, after all, have enabled the business to find its ‘tribe’ of like-minded customers – among them design professionals and clients who appreciate craftsmanship.
We visited Terri Winter in her Sydney Showroom.
“We are not for everyone and over the years have embraced that,” Winter said. “At the beginning we certainly tried to have something for everyone, but, over the years, the passion for quality, and also a growing understanding of the impact of production choices on the planet, has meant that many novelty items from the early years simply don’t fit our more stringent need for a sustainable approach.”
AUTHENTICITY
The longevity of authentic design is also a big factor. Top3 stocks only original items, which is not just an aesthetic choice, but one that values quality and speaks to the sustainability of the design industry beyond the product.
“For many years, [the proliferation of] replica furniture and fake copies of original design pieces was one of our biggest challenges, because Australian law does very little to protect original design,” Winter admitted.
Ironically, higher shipping costs have helped the authentic market. “The price difference between an original piece and the throwaway copy becomes less – and thankfully that means more people avoid the copy.”
Winter’s dedication to timelessness also contributes to how she selects pieces. The value of curation can’t be overstated. “The interesting thing is that the concept of curation has existed from when we first opened, however the reason for it has shifted,” she said.
“When we first started in 2001, the editing was to unearth
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products because it was difficult to find unique products. Fast-forward to today and we still provide an edit of the product, however, we now live in a world where you can find anything – so with so much choice, what do you buy?”
Unsurprisingly, getting her to name her favourite piece is like asking her to name her favourite child, especially as Top3 has more recently become about collections. “The edit stems around how pieces go together as a curated mix,” she said. “I get real joy from wandering through our showrooms and enjoy the vignettes and spaces we have created throughout. It is about the pieces working together to create something together... it’s the sum of the parts that brings me joy.”
But if you really must know, it’s a Hoffmann Kahleyss piece. “I think the Freifrau swing chair, in both indoor and outdoor versions, is my favourite.”
Visit the Top3 by Design showroom at 168 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest. Join as a member at top3.com.au and receive special offers, plus exclusive invitations to functions.
Visit the Top3 by Design showroom at: 168 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest. Join as a member at:
top3.com.au and receive special offers, plus exclusive invitations to functions.
Terri Winter shares how to develop your style.
1. Start by collecting images and items that ‘talk’ to you. “Not overthinking it – just collecting spaces and furniture pieces that you are drawn to. They may all differ in style, but a thread will emerge that helps to guide the final space. The best spaces are not of a fixed ‘genre’ but are a tapestry of your life,” she said.
2. Remember to include any existing pieces that are meaningful to you “so they can be integrated and not become at odds with the design afterwards”.
3. Try to avoid trends and look at what functions well for you. “Think about a space that can grow with you over time,” says Winter..
Over the years, Terri has spent many weekends at Warrimoo and Toolang Ovals watching her two sons play soccer, with Shadow, the husky dog, in tow. The game is usually followed by a trip through Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve, then once everyone has worked up an appetite, it’s straight to Stanley Street Butchery for some snacks and supplies for dinner! Terri also loves the fresh produce available at Harris Farm.
LEARN
The tailored tutoring approach turns students’ academic struggles into success!
TTHE BIRTH OF BUSH TO BRIDGE TUTORING
As Serena Chedid, founder of Bush To Bridge Tutoring, reflects on her schooling years it’s with mixed emotions. Throughout her years at both primary and high school she faced significant struggles with academic concepts and found it challenging overall to keep up. After many tried, tested and failed approaches, Serena finally found a tutor who was pivotal in helping her excel in her exams, which ultimately improved her overall wellbeing! The far-reaching impacts of reducing academic pressures on a student can be immense.
After graduating Abbotsleigh in 2020, Serena began her own journey as a tutor, gaining extensive experience through work at both tutoring companies and as a private tutor. This experience helped Serena understand and see first hand what truly works when tutoring students. Fuelled by these critical observations, Bush To Bridge Tutoring was founded in February 2023.
THE BUSH TO BRIDGE DIFFERENCE
From her time as a tutor, Serena’s biggest observation was that many tutoring services rely on a one-size-fits-all approach that often falls short in addressing the individual needs of each student. Standardised programs and group classes can be rigid, overlooking unique learning styles and personal academic goals, ultimately hindering a student’s ability to fully benefit from tutoring. A lot of services also lack the flexibility to adapt to evolving schedules or additional educational requirements.
At Bush To Bridge, these issues are tackled head-on by offering customised tutoring plans tailored to each student’s specific challenges and strengths. This personalised approach students not only improve academically, but grow in confidence and develop a deeper passion for learning. By providing a more effective alternative to conventional tutoring methods, Bush To Bridge ensures each student receives the attention and support they need to thrive.
To ensure students are getting the highest quality support available, Bush to Bridge tutors have to meet a strict series of requirements. All tutors are on the HSC Honour Roll or hold equivalent qualifications. During the interview process, tutors must demonstrate their teaching abilities by
instructing the interviewers on various topics. This rigorous process ensures that tutors possess the right teaching styles, level of engagement, and subject mastery necessary to provide exceptional support to students.
COULD A PERSONALISED TUTORING PLAN HELP YOU?
Tutoring is not just for students who are struggling. It is a powerful tool for any student eager to deepen their understanding, sharpen their skills, or surpass the standard curriculum. Whether a child is looking to master complex concepts or explore subjects not fully covered in school, personalised tutoring can be a game-changer. By tailoring the learning experience to fit each child’s unique needs and aspirations, tutoring can unlock potential and foster an enduring passion for learning. Every student stands to gain from the focused and customised support that quality tutoring provides.
For local parents considering tutoring options, starting with Bush To Bridge Tutoring is straightforward. You can submit an enquiry on the website, send an email or make a phone call. The team at Bush To Bridge will take over from there, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. This user-friendly approach reflects the company’s commitment to accessibility and convenience for families seeking quality educational support.
Bush To Bridge Tutoring prides itself on being an extremely flexible and tailored tutoring company. Unlike many other tutoring services, there are no lock-in contracts or upfront term payments. Parents can also always request a change of tutors if they feel the current match is not the right fit. Additionally, Bush To Bridge boasts a huge bank of resources and is able to create new ones on demand, tailored for each student’s needs.
Looking for some fun ways to entertain the kids? Check out some of these upcoming events...
SNOWTIME IN THE GARDEN
29 June - 28 July | 9:30am - 4:30pm Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Willing to go a little further afield? Head straight up the M1 and take the Kids to explore the Hunter Valley’s very own Winter Wonderland! Running from June 29th to July 28th, The Hunter Valley Gardens will be home to Snow Time in the Garden. Create a snow angel or build a snowman in the Mega Snow Play Zone, race down the Giant Ice Toboggan and glide across the massive Ice Skating Rink.
There’s also amazing amusement rides: Superslide, Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Tea Cups and Swing Chairs! All this plus roving entertainment, hearty food and warm beverages will all be available to ensure an exciting day for the whole family.
July 11 | Half Day (9am - 12pm) | Full Day 9am - 4pm Gordon Uniting Church
Do you have a budding Engineer in your house? This one’s for you! Head out for a day of fun and learning! Your kid(s) can build Lego models and make them come to life through Mechanical and Robotic Engineering!
The Bricks Challenge group (School years 1-2) will build super fun models that work with real motors. The Robo Bricks group (School years 3-4) will add in smart motors and be introduced to entry-level coding. Then the senior Robotics group (School years 4-7) will take coding and Robotics to the next level!
Bookings at nssydney.young-engineers.com.au/ enrolment
CAMPING AND COOKING
July 19 | 9am - 4pm | 6-12 years
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden
Head to the Wildflower Gardens for a special daycamping experience. Kick off the morning by preparing and pitching your own tent in the specially-designated bush campground. Then you’re ready for a jam-packed day full of adventures and challenges. Learn outdoor skills such as compass-work, BBQ cooking and more!
Register online at krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/ Whats-on/Camping-and-cooking-19-jul
If the phrase “healthy food” makes you think of bland, boring meals—get ready to have your mind blown! At Real Food Meals, Chef Denise is shattering stereotypes by crafting healthy homedelivered dishes that are every bit as flavourful and craveable as dinner at a fancy restaurant.
LLOOKING for a meal that doesn’t just tantalise your taste buds, but also nourishes your body and soul? Imagine savouring dishes that are healthy yet comforting, with the ultimate convenience of chef-quality food delivered right to your door. That’s precisely what you’ll find at this innovative meal delivery service in Crows Nest.
Real Food Meals is the brainchild of passionate chef Denise Nicolau, whose carefully crafted menus are designed to nourish your body with pure, nutrient-dense, freshly picked seasonal ingredients. No preservatives, no additives - just wholesome food made with love.
Denise’s journey to developing Real Food Meals has been fuelled by constant effort and determination. After earning a business degree in her native Brazil, she brought her vibrant energy and business acumen to Australia, receiving commercial chef training to work in restaurants.
Through sheer grit, Denise worked her way up from supplying desserts to cafés to becoming Head Chef of the award-winning Braza speciality restaurant in 2010, and later Senior Sous Chef for a major catering company honoured as the best corporate caterer in 2019.
Today, her Real Food Meals devotees order week after week, referred by friends drawn to her delicious
“Real, nutrient-dense foods naturally provide the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that our bodies need.”
eating whole, unprocessed foods boosts overall health and well-being.
“When you cut out preservatives, additives, and other artificial ingredients, you’re eliminating potential sources of inflammation, digestive issues, and even chronic diseases,” she says. “Real, nutrient-dense foods naturally provide the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that our bodies need to thrive.” Her philosophy echoes what many nutritionists strongly advocate.
As a North Shore business owner and mother of two, Denise has a special connection to the community. You may have seen her volunteering at the local centre. Her philosophy is simple: food is life’s fuel. And she infuses that energy into every nutritious, flavour-packed dish.
The menus at Real Food Meals change weekly, with new flavours and dishes to explore! It also offers healthy kid’s meals that little ones love, cleverly packed with veggies and nutrients without them even realising it. With the rotating weekly menus, you’ll never get bored with the same tired repeats.
The crave-worthy menu has something for everyone. If
you’re seeking protein, a dish like the Chicken Supreme ($13.99) with succulent chicken, roasted pumpkin, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy tarragon sauce might take your fancy. For plant-based indulgence, the Black Bean and Quinoa “Meatballs” with Spaghetti al Sugo ($13.49) packs robust, earthy flavours from black beans and nutty quinoa “meatballs” in an incredible herb-spiced tomato sauce. Each bite defies the notion of bland health food with bold, satisfying flavours.
No matter the dish, you can expect an incredible melding of flavours and textures that’ll have you saying, “Wait, this is actually good for me?!” Because at Real Food Meals, healthy and delicious are one and the same.
So next time you’re craving food that tastes indulgent yet nurtures your body, simply order from Real Food Meals. You’ll get a chef-prepared meal that delights your taste buds and fuels you with all the good stuff. One bite and you’ll never look at healthy food the same way again!
new customers receive a $10 voucher with their
BUDDY
MINNIE
MINNIE - True to her name, Minie is a tiny little lady. She might be tiny, but she is packing a BIG personality. Minnie the Miniature Dachshund is 4 years old and has been with her St Ives family ever since she was a puppy. She loves burrowing in beds, sleeping (also in beds) and playing with the vast collection of toys she’s collected over the years.
COCO
COCO - Meet Coco the 8 year-old Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles x Poodle). Coco has been a St Ives resident all her life and she loves it! Her favourite words are treat, walk, ball, dinner and ‘Daddy’s home!’. She loves chasing balls (preferably squeaky ones), spending mornings cuddling in bed and eating roast chicken.
ZORRO - This gorgeous boy is a purebred Border Collie and he has called St Ives home his entire life. Zorro has been the big brother to many feline friends over the years, and loves to hang out with 16 year old Gemma the cat. He also loves to visit his Border Collie brother & sister, Echo and Sandy, who live in Belrose with his human sister, Jess. Zorro is a super smart boy, loves going for walks on the beach and chasing his ball.
ZORRO
LUCY
LUCY - This sweet, playful and happy little girl is a Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles x Poodle). She plays a very important role for her family as the support dog for her human brother, Liam. When she’s not on the job, she loves snuggling up on the couch, chasing her ball, going for walks and just generally being around her familyshe’s a spoilt pooch, and rightly so!
Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS WHO MADE THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE!
